Patna: Altogether 13 people were arrested in Kaimur district on Thursday in connection with a violent clash between a police team and villagers in Kajhar Ghat village under Kudra police station. An FIR was registered against 28 named and 50 unidentified persons. The incident occurred on the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday when a police team arrived to stop a liquor party. Five police personnel, including the station house officer, were injured in stone-pelting, and one villager sustained a bullet injury during firing. The injured villager is undergoing treatment at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) Trauma Centre. According to police, the party was organised to celebrate the release on bail of a person in an NDPS Act case.According to information received, the party featured a DJ, female dancers and celebratory firing, with festivities in full swing. At around 10.30 pm, Kudra police station received information about the event.Upon receiving the information, the police team reached the spot with force and attempted to stop the gathering. The situation, however, escalated rapidly.Mohania sub-divisional police officer Pradeep Kumar said, “Villagers angered by police action started pelting stones. A total of 5 police personnel, including the Kudra SHO, were injured during the stone-pelting. The mob tried to snatch service weapons, after which police had to fire in the air for self-defence. The condition of the police personnel and the villager is stable.”Following the incident, agitated villagers blocked the road for nearly six hours. Villagers alleged that police fired first, while police described the firing as retaliatory action taken in self-defence.The injured youth alleged that he was shot from behind. Police stated that the medical report and investigation would clarify the circumstances surrounding the firing.The sub-divisional police officer said the villagers’ allegations would also be examined. “The law doesn’t punish the innocent. A fair investigation will be conducted upon receiving a written complaint,” he said.The statement of the injured person is being recorded. Police have initiated a comprehensive investigation into the incident and stated that lawful action will be taken against those found responsible.
